THE escalation in the war between Essendon and the AFL could potentially derail hopes of an early tribunal hearing for St Kilda forward Ahmed Saad for testing positive to a banned substance.

As the game's governing body and one of the league's oldest clubs verbally slugged it out last night, there were fears Saad's hearing could be delayed, with priority given to the AFL's battle with the Bombers.

That would not be good news for the 23-year-old, who started a provisional suspension on Tuesday after informing the AFL of the positive return of his B sample.

It is understood he wants the tribunal hearing to take place as soon as possible, something that could affect when he could potentially return to football following a likely suspension.

Saad faces a ban of up to two years, but will seek a reduction on the maximum penalty.

He will say that he inadvertently took an energy drink that allegedly contained a banned substance.

He is also likely to stress that he has co-operated fully with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the AFL since his initial positive test was revealed late last month.

The AFL Players' Association has already called for a lighter ban for Saad, with AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis saying earlier this month that a two-year suspension would be too harsh.

Saad's provisional suspension means he cannot play in the club's final two games of the home-and-away season.

The Saints informed their members of the process yesterday, stressing that this was not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing.

"The club and AFL Players Association will continue to provide appropriate support to the extent allowed under the code."

Neither the AFL nor St Kilda were prepared to comment further, both bound by confidentiality under the AFL Anti-Doping Code.

Saad played against Brisbane in the days after his initial positive test, but has not played since because of a quad injury.

He was listed as "test" for possible inclusion this week before the return of his positive B sample ended any hopes of a return this year.

Last month, Saad said he was "surprised and extremely disappointed" to find himself in this situation.

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